Colombian Immigration In the United States
By Edoardo Buffa
Colombia, a country located in South America, had a hard history that started with the slaves that were brought by the Spanish colonizers and take away Native Amerindians land during their colonization. Spain colonized Colombia from 1525 to July 20th, 1810 (“Political” 3). This event eventually shaped the country, creating a new culture formed by Africans, Spanish, and Indigenous practices (““Culture””). Moreover, The history of Colombia also had a difficult time in recent years, despite the rich culture and Colombia faced political drug-related violence and political instability, that forced them to leave their country ("History").
Over the decades, the economic and socio-political crisis in Latin American countries, such as Colombia, increased the number of immigrants in the United States, especially in big cities such as Miami, New Jersey, and New York. According to the 2000 census, just in the city of New York, it reached 84,404 people without considering the undocumented ones ("Coloambian").One of the main reasons for Colombians to immigrate was the necessity to escape from the violence they always faced from the drug cartels and Guerrilla. Along with their hopes and dreams for a better future, Colombians brought their culture with them in the new country. Once their population in New York increased over time, the first communities have been formed, creating Colombian neighborhoods and organizing events that reconnect people to their culture.
Colombia, as a country, went through a complicated history of political crisis, and that begins with independence from Spain in 1819. Furthermore, decades after, in 1948 a civil war denominated "La Violencia" divided the country within conservative and liberal factions (“Colombian Immigrants”. The war between liberals and conservatives soon led the creation of several revolutionary organizations including the FARC (Fuerzas Armadas Revolucionarias de Colombia) (“Farc”). Soon, it became the most powerful organization in the country, primarily through murdering, assassination, bombings, kidnappings, and illegal drugs market, which caused the death of 200'000 people over 15 years ("History") and allowed it not just to get more economic power but also increase its troops over time (“Leadership”). Those years sign a remarkable change in the country.
"La Violencia", became one of the worst times for the Colombian communities, which forced people to look forward and immigrate to high-income countries. Colombians saw the United States as a potential country to immigrate and start a new life away from the violence that they were facing daily. The Colombians wanted to give the best to their family and have a chance for an education. Many of them seek a refugee asylum visa, or even risking their lives crossing the border from Mexico to the United States to get away from the constant massacre and violence in their country.
New York, especially in Roosevelt Avenue in Jackson Heights, Queens, represents the biggest Colombian community in the United States, where they open several businesses such as Colombian restaurants, Clubs, Empanaderia, Coffee shops, and Clothing Stores. 37th Street and 82th Street is well known as Colombian street in Jackson Heights. One of the most significant Colombian events celebrated in these locations is the Colombian Independence Day, where everybody gets together to celebrate with a parade that takes place in Northern Boulevard in Queens, showing the Colombian folklore with traditional music. Another unique event that takes place in the city is "El Carnaval De Barranquilla". One of the most world-famous folk festivals in the world, usually performed in Queens, representing typical dances such as Cumbia, traditional costumes, all of them influenced by Africans, indigenous and Spanish descendants. These events are essential to many Colombians who arrived in the United States, especially those who immigrated illegally, and they have not travel back home, in which they reconnect with their people feeling at home, bringing back memories of the motherland. Also, perfectly represents how the Colombian community is united in seeing their culture being practiced in the country that they immigrated to.
Even though there are often common purposes why people from Latino countries immigrate to a new land, such as living a better life, all of them have distinct historical experiences, different backgrounds, and cultures. Colombia community is just an example of the many communities in the United States formed by people who continuously fight for their rights and their people, being active and making their voices heard representing distinctive cultures. Often, when we talk about Spanish speaking countries, we tend to put them under to single category just because of the language they have in common. Instead, we should focus on learning a little bit more about them, which would undoubtedly let us understand that despite a common language, there is a different history behind making every single one of them unique.
Works Cited
“Colombia Country Review.” Brooklyn College Library, 1 July 2010, http://web.b.ebscohost.com.ez-proxy.brooklyn.cuny.edu:2048/ehost/pdfviewer/pdfviewer?vid=10&sid=9e1c90f3-dee1-42d1-b9c2-00949f4c4847%40pdc-v-sessmgr01.
“Colombia - History and Culture.” Adventure Tourism - Experiential Travel Guides,, https://www.iexplore.com/articles/travel-guides/central-and-south-america/colombia/history-and-culture.
Brennan, Tanya Perez. “Colombian Immigration.” ReVista, 2003, https://revista.drclas.harvard.edu/book/colombian-immigration
Murnan, Alexandria J. “Colombian Immigrants.” Immigration to the United States,, https://immigrationtounitedstates.org/441-colombian-immigrants.html.
Written by Escrito por InSight Crime -, Written by Escrito por InSight Crime -, et al. “FARC.” InSight Crime,, 5 Oct. 2017, https://www.insightcrime.org/colombia-organized-crime-news/farc-profile/.